BookCity Milan 2025: a week of books filled with emotion, culture, and discovery
BookCity Milan is much more than an event—it’s a collective story that, every November, wraps the city in a vibrant stage of words, ideas, and encounters. The 2025 edition, scheduled from 10 to 16 November, is set to fill Milan with the voices of writers, readers, and thinkers from around the world. From the grandeur of the Fondazione Feltrinelli to the charm of the Castello Sforzesco, from the intimate atmosphere of the Piccolo Teatro to the history-laden hush of the Biblioteca Sormani, each venue becomes a piece of a single great narrative dedicated to books. Thousands of people—authors, publishers, students, and enthusiasts—will bring the city to life with one shared passion: reading as a form of discovery, freedom, and connection.
In this guide you’ll find: how the event works, where to check the updated programme, practical tips for getting around the venues and—if you’re coming from out of town—where to stay near Milan with a 10% discount for stays of at least two nights using the code BCM10. The code is valid only for direct bookings on the official website of La Maison de Geraldine.
What is BookCity Milan?
BookCity Milan is not a trade fair confined to a pavilion, but a citywide mosaic of encounters and stories woven through the city’s most beautiful places. From the halls of the Castello Sforzesco—the beating heart of the initiative—to neighborhood libraries and theatres that open up to reading, every space becomes a small narrative world. The theme chosen for 2025 — “The Power of Ideas / The Ideas of Power” — sets the guiding thread for hundreds of events that invite us to reflect on how books still inspire, influence, and change the world. Among the emblematic venues are the Castello Sforzesco, Biblioteca Sormani, Piccolo Teatro, and the Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli—settings that showcase a lively, cultured, and welcoming Milan, ready to become Italy’s capital of reading for a week.
Where to check the schedule: the Events page is updated in real time — https://www.bookcitymilano.it/eventi
How to experience BookCity Milan 2025: events, tickets, and practical tips
BookCity Milan is best enjoyed with curiosity—and a touch of planning. Some events require advance registration, while many others are free to attend until seats run out. Simply open the event pages on the official calendar at bookcitymilano.it/eventi to see participation and booking details.
Among the most anticipated events of the 2025 edition are talks with Ken Follett, scheduled for Sunday, 12 October at 6:30 p.m. at the Teatro Carcano (Corso di Porta Romana 63, Milan), and Arundhati Roy, who will take the stage on Monday, 27 October at 6:30 p.m. at the Teatro Studio Melato (Via Rivoli 6, Milan). Two unmissable moments that will present powerful, contrasting visions of the relationship between literature and society. Getting from one venue to another is easy thanks to Milan’s metro and tram network, but it’s wise to factor in travel time and arrive a little early for the most popular events.
All the main venues—from the Castello Sforzesco to the Biblioteca Sormani, from the Piccolo Teatro to the Fondazione Feltrinelli—are easy to reach and, in most cases, accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you’d like to plan your experience in advance, the official website offers a Complete programme & reservations section, where you can pick your favourite events and, for paid initiatives, go directly to the official ticket office.
Iconic BookCity Milan locations
The symbolic heart of the event is the Castello Sforzesco, home to the opening ceremonies and flagship talks. Among the most iconic historic libraries is Biblioteca Sormani, which hosts numerous meetings and readings throughout the week. Piccolo Teatro di Milano is traditionally the venue for the press conference and many conversations with international authors. Completing the map of symbolic places is the Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, a modern, photogenic space that showcases Milan’s contemporary cultural scene.
Unmissable events in Como and nearby
BookCity Milan doesn’t take place only in the city: Como and its province also host high-profile meetings and authors. Among the most anticipated events, we recommend Cristina Comencini with L’epoca felice (13 November, 6:30 p.m., Teatro Sociale di Como) and astrophysicist Patrizia Caraveo with Donne fra le stelle (10 November, 6:00 p.m., Feltrinelli Bookstore in Como). Two different moments united by a common thread: the power of stories that enlighten and provoke reflection.
Open the official “Como” events page and click each listing to view the full details, access options, and booking information.
Where to stay: comfort, convenience, and authenticity near Milan
If you want to experience BookCity Milan with the freedom to move between city and lake, La Maison de Geraldine is the perfect retreat. Located in Cadorago, just a two-minute walk from the Trenord R17 line station, it lets you reach Milano Cadorna in just 35–45 minutes—without traffic stress and with the comfort of a welcoming base away from the urban bustle. From here, you can easily explore both Milan, the vibrant heart of the event, and Como with its splendid lake, enjoying the calm and authenticity of Lombardy.
Blog readers get an exclusive perk: by entering the code BCM10 when booking directly on the official website, you’ll receive a 10% discount on stays of at least two nights. La Maison offers fast Wi-Fi, self check-in on request, convenient reserved on-site parking, and a thoughtfully curated space designed for those seeking comfort, quiet, and genuine hospitality. Your host is always available with local tips and support throughout your stay, ensuring a relaxing, personalised experience.
Discover the convenience of setting off in the morning on a train that takes you straight to the heart of Milano BookCity, and returning in the evening to a serene place where you can enjoy true peace and quiet.
Check availability → https://lamaisondegeraldine.it/
Email us → info@lamaisondegeraldine.it
Note: the code BCM10 is reserved exclusively for direct bookings made on the official website and cannot be combined with other promotions. Valid for stays of at least two nights, subject to availability and possible blackout dates.
Interactive map — Main venues of BookCity Milan 2025
Mappa creata da La Maison de Geraldine con le principali sedi di BookCity Milano 2025 e la posizione della struttura. Scopri la versione ufficiale su bookcitymilano.it/luoghi.